Salt Spring Checkerbloom (Sidalcea neomexicana) is a rare native perennial herb that grows in southern and central California. It is moderately fast growing and moderately long-lived. It grows in an upright form to a height of 2.5 feet, with active growth during the spring and summer. Flowers are purple and striking, and bloom in the mid spring. Leaves are medium green and deciduous. It tends to grow in alkaline springs and marshes, at elevations from 0-4900 feet.

Oregon Checker Mallow (Sidalcea oregana) is a native perennial herb that grows in Northern, Southern and Central California, primarily in the High Sierra Nevada region. It is moderately fast growing and moderately long-lived. It grows in an upright form to a height of 4.5 feet, with active growth during the spring and summer. Flowers are purple and striking, and bloom in the late spring. Leaves are medium green and deciduous. It tends to grow in wet meadows and marshes, at elevations from 0-9800 feet.

Oregon Checkerbloom (Sidalcea oregana ssp. oregana) is a native perennial herb that grows in central and northern California. It tends to grow in wet meadows and marshes, at elevations from 1600-8200 feet.

Spicate Checker Mallow (Sidalcea oregana ssp. spicata) is a native perennial herb that grows in northern, southern and central California. It tends to grow in wet meadows and marshes, at elevations from 3600-9800 feet.

Sidalcea pedata, also called birdfoot checkerbloom or Big Bear checkerbloom, is a rare and endangered perennial herb of California. It blooms between May and July. However, it is an endemic species of California and only occurs in few places in the San Bernardino Mountains, primarily at Bear Valley, Bluff Lake. It grows at 1500-2100 m elevation in moist meadows to open woodlands and the unique pebble plain habitat of the area. Since Big Bear Valley is a resort destination, the birdfoot checkerbloom is threatened by development, vehicles and grazing. Sidalcea pedata grows from a fleshy taproot and can be as tall as 40 cm. It has few stems, which are erect and somewhat stellate at the base. The leaves are basal and are ternately divided into 5-7 parts. The flowers are about 1. 3 cm long and are a deep rose-pink with darker veins. They are arranged in a spike-like raceme, with the upper flowers closely crowded together. Sidalcea pedata grows from a fleshy taproot and can be as tall as 40 cm. It has few stems, which are erect and somewhat stellate at the base. The leaves are basal and are ternately divided into 5-7 parts. The flowers are about 1. 3 cm long and are a deep rose-pink with darker veins. They are arranged in a spike-like raceme, with the upper flowers closely crowded together. Like other species within the genus Sidalcea, such as S. oregana ssp,S. pedata is sexually dimorphic. Other information. The birdfoot checkerbloom was listed as endangered by the state of California January 1982 and by the U. S. Federal Government August 31, 1984. References and

Sidalcea ranunculacea is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family known by the common name marsh checkerbloom and marsh checker mallow. The plant is endemic to California, known only within Tulare County and Kern County. It grows in the Southern Sierra Nevada and Greenhorn Mountains at 1,820-3,050 metres (5,970-10,010 ft) in elevation. Many populations are within the Sequoia National Forest, Sequoia National Park, or Kings Canyon National Park. It grows in moist areas, such as wet meadows and on stream banks, in yellow pine forest, red fir forest, lodgepole forest habitats. Sidalcea ranunculacea is a rhizomatous perennial herb reaching up to 0. 5 metres (1. 6 ft) tall. It is coated in hairs, the lower ones becoming bristly. The fleshy lobed leaf blades also have hairs and bristles. The inflorescence is a dense, spikelike cluster or series of clusters of flowers. Each flower has five pink to purple petals up to 1. 5 centimeters long. The blooming period is June to August.

Sidalcea reptans is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family known by the common name Sierra checkerbloom and Sierra checker mallow. The plant is endemic to California, where it can be found throughout the Sierra Nevada at 1,120-2,000 metres (3,670-6,560 ft) in elevation, especially the central peaks of the range. It grows in moist and dry habitat types in the mountains, in meadows of yellow pine forest and red fir forest. Sidalcea reptans is a rhizomatous perennial herb reaching up to 0. 5 metres (1. 6 ft) tall. Lower portions of the stem sometimes root when in contact with moist substrate. It is coated in long, bristly hairs. The leaf blades are also bristly. They vary in shape, the lower ones barely lobed and borne on long petioles, and the higher ones often deeply cut into lobes. The inflorescence is a long, open series of flowers with pink to lavender petals up to 2 centimeters in length. The bloom period is June to August.

Sidalcea robusta is an uncommon species of flowering plant in the mallow family known by the common name Butte County checkerbloom. Sidalcea robusta is endemic to Butte County, California, where it is known from about 20 occurrences, including some near Chico. It is a resident of chaparral and woodland habitat in mountain foothills. It is an Endangered species listed by the California Native Plant Society Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants and The Nature Conservancy.

Checkerbloom (Sidalcea malviflora ssp. sparsifolia) is a common native that grows in California, primarily in the High Sierra Nevada and Sacramento Valley regions. It tends to grow in dry and open places, at elevations from 0-7500 feet.

Sidalcea stipularis is a rare species of flowering plant in the mallow family, known by the common name Scadden Flat checkerbloom. The plant is endemic to Nevada County in eastern California. It is known from only two occurrences on Scadden Flat in the Sierra Nevada foothills, near Grass Valley. It grows in marshy habitats. Sidalcea stipularis is a rhizomatous perennial herb, producing a bristle-haired stem up to 65 centimeters tall. The leaves have oval, unlobed blades on petioles and are evenly spaced along the stem. Each is accompanied by short stipules. The inflorescence is a headlike cluster of flowers with a cuplike skirt of hairy bracts. Each flower has five pink petals about 1. 5 centimeters long each. Threats to this rare species include the invasion of Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) into its habitat. One of the two occurrences is next to a road where there is heavy CalTrans activity. The plant has no federal protection but it is a state-listed endangered species in California, which means that killing or possessing this species is prohibited unless permitted by the California Department of Fish and Game (California Fish and Game Code Section 2080).

Silene antirrhina is a species of flowering plant in the pink family known by the common names sleepy silene and sleepy catchfly. It is native to the Americas, where it is widespread throughout North America and parts of South America. It is known in Europe as an introduced species. It can be found in a wide range of habitat types, including disturbed and recently burned areas. It is sometimes weedy. Silene antirrhina is quite variable in appearance, its morphology depending on several environmental factors, such as moisture level and available nutrients. In general it is an annual herb growing erect to a maximum height near 80 centimeters. The slender stem grows from a taproot and branches near the top. There are dark-colored internodes on the stem, the upper ones often glandular in sticky in texture. Insects become trapped in the sticky patches on this protocarnivorous plant, but it does not obtain any nutrients from them. The lance-shaped leaves are up to 6 centimeters long near the base of the stem, and are smaller and narrower farther up. The flower is enveloped in an inflated ovate calyx of fused sepals with ten veins. The calyx is open at the top, often revealing five double-lobed petals in shades of pink, red, or purple to white; the petals are sometimes absent.

Silene bernardina is a species of flowering plant in the pink family known by the common name Palmer's catchfly. It is native to western North America from Washington and Idaho, through California and Oregon, to Baja California. It grows in several types of habitat, including chaparral scrub, mountain forests, and higher-elevation habitats in alpine climates. Silene bernardina is a variable plant and it is divided into several subspecies. In general, it is a perennial herb growing from a taproot and leafy caudex unit, the hairy, erect stems growing up to about half a meter tall. The slender stems have glandular, sticky patches on their upper parts. The linear or lance-shaped leaves are up to 8 centimeters long low on the stem and smaller on the distal branches. Flowers occur in a terminal cyme at the top of the stem, as well as in some of the leaf axils. Each has a hairy, glandular calyx of fused sepals with ten red veins. The calyx is open at the top, revealing five white or purple-pink petals which may be almost 3 centimeters long. The petals have usually four fringelike lobes at the tips and feathery appendages at their bases. The stamens and three or four long styles protrude from the flower's center.

Silene bridgesii is a species of flowering plant in the pink family known by the common name Bridges' catchfly. It is native to California, where it can be found throughout the Sierra Nevada and the southern reaches of the Cascade Range to the north, its distribution possibly extending into Oregon. It grows in mountain forests and woodlands. It is a perennial herb growing from a taproot and woody caudex unit, its stem decumbent or growing erect to half a meter or more in height. It is hairy, the upper hairs glandular, making the plant sticky in texture. The lower leaves are widely lance-shaped, up to 8 centimeters long by 1. 5 wide. Upper leaves are smaller. Flowers occur in a terminal cyme at the top of the stem, as well as in some of the leaf axils, where they nod or hang like a bell. Each has a hairy, glandular calyx of fused sepals with ten veins. The calyx is open at the tip, revealing five white, pinkish, or greenish petals each with two rectangular lobes at the tip. The very long stamens and three styles protrude from the flower's center.

Silene campanulata is a species of flowering plant in the pink family known by the common names Red Mountain catchfly and bell catchfly. It is native to the mountains of Oregon and northern California, where it grows in forest and chaparral habitat, sometimes on serpentine soils. Silene campanulata is a perennial herb growing up to 40 centimeters tall with many small shoots coming from a woody, branching caudex with a taproot. The erect stems are usually hairy and often have glandular, sticky patches on their upper parts. The leaves are up to 5 centimeters long by 3 wide, the lower ones lance-shaped to rounded, and the upper ones linear or oval. Nodding flowers occur in a terminal cyme at the top of the stem, as well as in some of the leaf axils. Each has a hairy, often glandular calyx of fused sepals. This bell-shaped green or purplish calyx is open at the top, revealing five white, greenish, or pale pink petals. The petals have multilobed or fringed tips. The stamens and three long styles protrude from the flower's center. Subspecies. Subspecies include:Silene campanulata ssp. campanulata - Red Mountain catchfly; endemic to California; designated as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act. Silene campanulata ssp. glandulosa - Bell catchfly, in California and Oregon. Silene campanulata subsp. greenei - Greene's catchfly, in California and Oregon.

Silene douglasii is a species of flowering plant in the pink family known by the common name Douglas's catchfly. It is native to western North America from British Columbia to California to Wyoming, where it grows in several habitat types, including forests, woodlands, and coastal scrub. Silene douglasii is a tufted perennial herb growing from a branching caudex and taproot, its stems decumbent to erect and up to 70 centimeters long. The stem is coated in curly or feltlike gray-white hairs. The lance-shaped leaves are up to 6 centimeters long on the lower stem and are smaller farther up. Each flower is encapsulated in a cylindrical inflated calyx of sepals lined with ten green or purple-red veins. It is open at the tip, revealing five white, pink or purplish petals, each with two wide lobes at the tip. Varieties: There are three varieties of this species. Silene douglasii var. douglasii Silene douglasii var. oraria - Seabluff catchfly, rare and endemic to the Oregon coastline. Silene douglasii var. rupinae

Silene hookeri is a species of flowering plant in the pink family known by the common names Hooker's silene, Hooker's catchfly, Hooker's Indian pink, and Hooker's glandular campion. It is native to the coastal and inland mountains of Oregon and northwestern California, where it grows in woodlands and forests in sandy and rocky soils, sometimes on serpentine, up to elevations around 1400 meters. Silene hookeri is a squat perennial herb producing a decumbent or erect stem up to 20 centimeters long from a woody, branching caudex. It is covered in soft gray curly or crinkly hairs. The leaves are lance-shaped and up to 9 centimeters long near the base of the plant; smaller, narrower leaves occur farther up the stems. Each flower has a tubular calyx of fused sepals lined with ten veins and covered in whitish hairs. It is open at the tip, revealing five white, pink or purple petals. The petal tips are each divided into usually four lobes, which may be wide and rounded or narrow and fringelike. Small, erect appendages occur at the petal bases.

Silene laciniata is a herbaceous flowering plant in the same family as carnations (Caryophyllaceae) that is commonly called Indian-pink, Mexican campion, or Mexican-pink. Many subspecies have been described in the past, and some of these names may still be in use. Presently, there are two recognized subspecies in California. Ssp. laciniata is found in the southern coastal part of the state from San Luis Obispo County to San Diego County and throughout much of the Baja peninsula. Ssp. californica is more often found in the central and northern parts of the state in hilly or mountainous areas including the Transverse Range, the Coast Ranges and the foothills of the Sierras. For gardening purposes, check with your nursery for the proper plants for your area.

Silenes develop a deep taproot that helps them get through a dry summer. They may go summer dormant or may stay green depending on conditions of shade, heat and moisture. The plant is valued for its bright red starburst flowers which are small but eye-catching. Silene often grows vine-like through adjacent plants to display its flowers in unexpected locations. Plant it where the small flowers will be most visible. It deserves to be used more often. The common name Catch-fly refers to the sticky hairy glands on the stems and leaves which sometimes trap tiny insects. It is not clear whether this contributes any nutrients to the plant.
Locate this plant behind something else, and let it grow forward to surprise the viewer with its luminous red flowers.

California Indian Pink (Silene californica) is a native annual herb that grows in northern, southern and central California. It tends to grow at elevations from 0-5000 feet.

Cardinal Catchfly (Silene laciniata ssp. laciniata) is a native perennial herb that grows in northern, southern and central California at elevations from 0-3900 feet. Silene laciniata ssp. californica is found primarily in the northern part of the state and the Sierra foothills. Ssp. laciniata is primarily found along the central to southern coast. It forms a thick taproot from which an upright or straggling, branching and slightly sticky stem emerges. Larger leaves are typically held on the lower portion of the stem and are triangular or lance shaped. The flowers, though small, are dramatic; though the common name suggests they are pink, in fact they are typically a deep crimson. Very common in its preferred habitat, often in the partial shade of boulders, taller grasses or larger shrubs. Sometimes only the flowers are visible through surrounding vegetation.

Silene lemmonii is a species of flowering plant in the pink family known by the common name Lemmon's catchfly. It is native to the mountains of Oregon and California, where it grows in many types of woodland and forest habitat, often in moist areas. Silene lemmonii is a perennial herb producing several stems and shoots from a woody, branching caudex. The decumbent or erect stems may be up to 45 centimeters long and are hairy, the hairs on the upper parts glandular. Most of the leaves are located low on the plant and are oval to lance-shaped, measuring a few centimeters in length; smaller leaves may occur on the upper stem. The inflorescence bears 1 to 7 nodding flowers on sticky glandular stalks. The moth-pollinated flower has a tubular or inflated calyx of fused sepals open at the tip to reveal five petals. The petals are whitish, yellowish, or pinkish, and their tips are deeply divided into four narrow, sometimes hairlike lobes that may curl and tangle. The long stamens protrude from the mouth of the flower, and the three whiskerlike styles protrude even farther.

Silene menziesii is a species of flowering plant in the pink family known by the common names Menzies' campion and Menzies' catchfly. It is native to western North America from Alaska through the western half of Canada to the southwestern United States. It can be found in many types of habitat and it is quite common in much of its range. It is variable in morphology and there are a number of varied subtaxa. In general, it is a perennial herb growing from a caudex, appearing matlike, decumbent, or erect, with stems a few centimeters to over half a meter long. It is usually hairy in texture, with upper parts bearing sticky glandular hairs. The leaves are lance-shaped, oppositely arranged in pairs, and a few centimeters in length, upper leaves usually smaller than lower. Flowers may occur in a cyme at the top of the stem, or in leaf axils, or both. Each is encapsulated in a hairy, veined calyx of fused sepals. The petals are white with two lobes at the tips. The plant is dioecious with male and female plants producing different flowers. The male and female flower types look the same externally; the stamens are reduced in female plants and the stigmas are reduced in the male.

Silene occidentalis is a species of flowering plant in the pink family known by the common names western catchfly and western campion. It is endemic to northern California, where it is known from the southern Cascade Range and sections of the Modoc Plateau and Sierra Nevada. It grows in chaparral and mountain forest habitat. Silene occidentalis is a perennial herb growing from a woody, leafy caudex and taproot, sending up an erect, mostly unbranched stem which may be 60 centimeters tall. The lance-shaped leaves are up to 12 centimeters long around the caudex, and shorter farther up the stem. Flowers occur in a terminal cyme and sometimes in leaf axils. Each flower is encapsulated in a hairy, glandular calyx of fused sepals. The calyx in this species can be very long, nearly 4 centimeters in length in subspecies longistipata. At the end are five pink petals, each with usually four fringelike lobes at the tip.

Silene oregana is a species of flowering plant in the pink family known by the common names Oregon silene, Oregon campion and Oregon catchfly. It is native to the western United States, including the Great Basin, where it grows in habitat such as sagebrush and forests. It is a perennial herb growing from a woody caudex and taproot, sending up an erect, mostly unbranched stem which may be 70 centimeters tall. The lance-shaped leaves are up to 8 centimeters long around the caudex, and shorter farther up the stem. Flowers occur in a terminal cyme and sometimes in leaf axils. Each flower is encapsulated in a hairy, glandular calyx of fused sepals. The five petals are creamy white or pink-tinged in color and each has four to six long, fringelike lobes at the tip.

Silene sargentii is a species of flowering plant in the pink family known by the common name Sargent's catchfly. It is native to the western United States, where it is known from the mountain ranges straddling the California-Nevada border east of the Sierra Nevada. It is also known from one disjunct occurrence in central Washington. It grows in rocky mountain habitat in subalpine and alpine climates. It is a perennial herb growing from a woody, branching caudex and taproot, sending up several decumbent or erect stems and shoots. It grows no more than about 20 centimeters tall, often taking a clumpy form. The fleshy leaves are widely lance-shaped and a few centimeters in length, most of them occurring around the caudex. Each flower is encapsulated in a hairy, glandular calyx of fused sepals which has stark purple veining. The petals are white to deep pink and each has two or more rounded or pointed lobes at the tip.

Silene scouleri is a species of flowering plant in the pink family known by the common names simple campion and Scouler's catchfly. It is native to western North America from British Columbia to California to Colorado. There are at least three subspecies which all vary in size, shape, habitat preference, and distribution. Some individuals are difficult to assign to a subspecies. ''Silene scouleri is a perennial herb producing one or more erect stems from a woody, branching caudex. The stem is usually unbranched, or simple, giving the plant its common name. The inflorescence may have few or many flowers in a dense or open cluster. Each flower has a tubular or bell-shaped calyx of fused sepals which has stark purple or green veins. The petals are white, sometimes with a greenish or pinkish tinge, or solid pink. They may have two to four lobes which are wide or narrow, rounded or pointed. Subspecies. Silene scouleri ssp. hallii - Hall's catchfly; in several areas of the Rocky Mountains, especially in Colorado. It has white, greenish, pinkish, or purple-tipped petals with two lobes, often with teeth along the sides. Silene scouleri ssp. pringlei - Pringle's catchfly; in the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico, where it grows in mountains and canyons. It is slender and hairy. The petals are white, or green- or purple-tinged, and are deeply divided into fringelike lobes. Silene scouleri ssp. scouleri - Scouler's catchfly; along the Pacific coast from British Columbia to central California, and some areas inland. It grows in coastal prairie, bluffs, and other habitat. Its petals are white or pinkish, with two or four lobes and sometimes lateral teeth.

Silene serpentinicola is a rare species of flowering plant in the pink family known by the common name serpentine Indian pink and serpentine catchfly. It was described to science in 2004. It is currently known only from Del Norte County, California, where it is an endemic of the serpentine soils of the Smith River basin. It probably also occurs north of the border in Oregon. It is a resident of chaparral and coniferous forest habitat among other serpentine endemics. Silene serpentinicola is a small rhizomatous perennial herb growing up to 10 or 15 centimeters tall. The paired leaves are gray-green in color, spatula-shaped, and up to 4. 5 centimeters long, mostly crowded along the short stems. The inflorescence is a terminal cyme at the top of the stem containing 1 to 4 flowers. Each flower is borne on a short, glandular pedicel. The flower has a hairy, purplish calyx of sepals which is tubular, inflated and lined with ten veins. The corolla is about 3 centimeters wide and bright red in color. Each of the five petals is divided into two lobes which are each subdivided into two narrower lobes. The long stamens and three styles protrude from the flower's center.

Silene verecunda is a species of flowering plant in the pink family known by the common name San Francisco campion. It is native to western North America, particularly California and Baja California, as well as Nevada and Utah. It grows in a number of habitat types, from coastline to high alpine mountain slopes, and including chaparral, woodlands, and meadows. Silene verecunda is an extremely variable plant. In general, it is a perennial herb growing 10 centimeters to over half a meter tall, usually with several erect stems. It is hairy, and usually glandular and sticky in texture. The lance-shaped leaves are variable in size, the largest ones usually growing at the caudex. Each flower is encapsulated in a tubular calyx of fused sepals which is lined with ten veins. The petals are white or pink and have two lobes in their tips and two appendages at their bases.

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) is a rounded evergreen shrub with thick, waxy green leaves that is moderately fast growing and long-lived. Clusters of small yellow and cream flowers bloom in late spring. Female plants, with male plants nearby, produce acorn-shaped fruit from which the highly prized jojoba oil is derived. This shrub is found primarily in the Peninsular Range and Sonoran Desert regions, growing at elevations up to 4,900 feet.

Jojoba is an excellent choice for dry areas, particularly high desert gardens. It is highly tolerant of pruning and shearing, making it a versatile landscape plant. The fruit is edible, and its seeds are an important source of forage for wildlife. Additionally, it attracts butterflies and moths, supporting pollinators in the garden.

This hardy plant thrives in light, coarsely textured soils with good drainage. It tolerates high temperatures, salinity, and poor-nutrient soils, while requiring minimal care once established. Frost may damage or kill the plant, but in warm, dry climates, it is a resilient and valuable addition to native plant gardens.

Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bellum) is a 1-ft-tall perennial herb that grows throughout California, usually in open places where there is some moisture, particularly grassy areas. It can also be found in woodlands and at altitudes up to almost 8000 feet.

Its leaves are grassy and tufted. The flowers are small and purplish-blue, varying somewhat in color from a true blue to a definite purple; occasional white-flowering plants are found. It flowers from January to July. After flowering, it dies back to the ground and is dormant over the summer. It prefers some moisture and good drainage, but will tolerate summer dryness.

It can be propagated by seed, and self-sows. It can also be propagated by division of its rhizomes, and the flower stems can be rooted. It is moderately hardy and will tolerate temperatures down to 20 degrees F.

Blue-eyed Grass is very easy to grow and will easily reseed. Best to plant on flat areas in loamy soils that that hold moisture well.

Even though it goes dormant in the summer in dryer, southern areas, Blue-eyed Grass is more likely to survive the summer drought with occasional watering. It's best to plant this at the edges of landscapes for pops of color.

This plant is on several fire-resistant plant lists, including FireSafe Marin and County of San Diego.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Grows best in sandy, coarse-grained or other fast draining soil. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. California and Oregon.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Horticultural selection from sisyrinchium bellum. This grass is a dwarf version of sisyrinchium bellum but shares similar characteristics. It has striking blue-violet flowers on this 6 in to 12 in. grass. It is highly recommended for rock gardens as well as bordering a pathway. It does really well in full sun and doesn't need a lot of water. Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Sium suave (from the Latin sium, the Latinization of Greek sion, meaning "water parsley," and suâvis, meaning "sweet. "), the hemlock waterparsnip or water parsnip, is a herb native to parts of Eurasia and North America. The water parsnip is a member of the Apiaceae family and appears with leaves and white flowers during blooming. The plant lives in marshes and other wetland in areas below 3000 feet.

Smilax californica, the California greenbriar, is a common woody vine native to northern California and southwestern Oregon in the western United States. The leaves are dull green, petioled, alternate, and circular to heart-shaped. They are generally 5-10 cm long. The stems are round, green and have sharp spines.

Smilax jamesii is a species of flowering plant in the greenbriar family known by the common name English Peak greenbriar. It is to northern California, where it is known from the Klamath Mountains and the southernmost peaks of the Cascade Range. It has also been reported from nearby locations in southwestern Oregon. It grows in moist areas such as lakesides and streambanks in mountain coniferous forest habitat. It was discovered to be a new species when herbarium specimens thought to be Smilax californica were reexamined. This is a rhizomatous perennial herb taking the form of a vine, climbing and branching to maximum lengths of 2 to 3 meters. The dark green leaves have blades up to 8 centimeters long by 7 wide, triangular to pointed oval in shape. There are numerous tendrils. The inflorescence is an umbel-shaped cluster of flowers blooming from the leaf axils. Male inflorescences contain up to 20 flowers, and the larger female inflorescences may have 40. The male and female flowers have similar petals but the female flower has a spherical ovary in the center. The mature fruit is a blue berry just under a centimeter wide which turns maroon in color as it dries.

American nightshade (Solanum americanum) is an annual or short-lived perennial plant native to the Americas, ranging from the southern and western United States to Paraguay and Peru. It belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae) and thrives in a variety of habitats, making it a versatile choice for native gardens.

Solanum douglasii is a species of nightshade known by the common name greenspot nightshade. It is native to the northern half of Mexico and the southwestern south-central United States. Its habitat includes scrub and woodland. Solanum douglasii is a perennial herb or subshrub approaching two meters in maximum height. The stem is coated in short, white hairs. The leaves may be up to 9 centimeters long and have smooth or toothed edges. The inflorescence is an umbel-shaped array of flowers with star-shaped white corollas up to a centimeter wide. There are generally green spots at the bases of the corolla lobes. The yellow anthers are a few millimeters in length. Flowers may be seen blooming throughout much of the year. The fruit is a spherical berry up to a centimeter wide. Native Americans used the juice of the berries medicinally, and as dye for tattooing.

Parish's Nightshade (Solanum parishii) is a native shrub in the Solanaceae (Nightshade) family that grows in primarily in two disjunct regions, the mountains and valleys of northern California and the chaparral of southernmost California. It occurs from sea level up to elevations of 6,000 feet. A closely related species is Solanum xanti, and their ranges overlap in the southern counties. There are also several non-native species of Solanum that look very similar. Some are sold under the common name Potato Plant. The flowers of Solanum parishii are small but attractive. As with many other members of this family, the plant is poisonous to humans and some other animals, especially the fruits. Be cautious in using it where children or pets may have access. Due to the poisonous nature of many nightshades, tomatoes (also a member of the Solanaceae) were thought to be equally toxic by many North Americans as late as the early eighteenth century.

Bluewitch Nightshade (Solanum umbelliferum) is a native shrub Solanaceae (Nightshade) family that is widespread in California in various habitats and vegetation communities, at elevations from sea level to 5,200 feet. The stems are densely hairy and branched. The leaves are grey-green, elliptical to oval, and typically smooth edged. The flower is blue to purple in color, consisting of five petals fused together, with contrasting yellow anthers. The fruit is a sphere 12-14 mm in size. Its habit is mounding or sometimes vining, often found climbing up through more woody shrubs. All parts of the plant are toxic to people and some animals. However, it is very attractive to insects. If given occasional summer water it will stay leafed-out and may even continue to flower. If allowed to dry it will be summer deciduous. This is a very tough, hardy plant that will survive on neglect.